Can Sonoff BASICZBR3 used as a router?

Configuration Zigbee
1

I struggle connecting a Sonoff ZBMini to a Sonoff BASICZBR3. The ZBMini connects to the controller, but it’s final location will be further away from it, so I’d like to use the BASICZBR3 as the router.

I just found Sonoff ZBmini or BASICZBR3 as routers? who mentions it does not work as a router.

At the same time, here they mention a new firmware for the BASICZBR3 that is available under https://github.com/diyruz/diyruz_rt Unfortunately, I could not find any decent description on how to flash it.

Is there a description on flashing Zigbee devices? Can they be flashed with a USB to serial converter? (I have a FT232RL-M)

2

They do work as routers but are not very strong.
The mesh will chose the best route so if it is working don’t worry about it.

3

For some reason, I can’t connect a device to the BASICZBR3. The controller recognised the other device “immediately” if I placed it nearby. The BASICZBR3 does not recognise it even if they are 30cm apart.